An extensive variety of positions that are suitable for different personality types are available in the hospitality sector. While some employees in the hotel industry work in close proximity to patrons, others, like those in the kitchen and maintenance, perform crucial tasks behind closed doors. In this post, we will look at 11 different hospitality jobs to give you a better picture of the positions available in the field.
What does a hospitality job entail?
A hospitality job involves giving consumers a service that is typically connected to leisure pursuits like dining, travel, or socializing. The hospitality sector often consists of places like restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs, casinos, and cruise ships. All professions required for a business to run well are considered to be in the hospitality industry, including managers, bookkeepers, entertainers, maintenance workers, waiters/waitresses, cleaners, and front-of-house staff.
How would you describe the work environment in the hospitality sector?
Due to the industry’s large range of employment opportunities, the working conditions at each position can vary greatly. People who operate front-of-house in places like clubs, hotels, and cruise ships sometimes have work schedules that involve long shifts and unsociable hours. However, staff members with office occupations in the same businesses, like bookkeepers, may put in standard 40-hour workweeks.
A hospitality job can occasionally involve stress and become extremely fast-paced, albeit it varies depending on the role and establishment. For example, regardless of how busy a restaurant is, cooks must constantly serve good meals in a reasonable amount of time. To thrive in their hospitality jobs, workers in these contexts need to be able to handle stressful events well.
People with outgoing personalities and a love of social interaction are often best suited for occupations that involve working with the public. Employees in these professions must also be courteous and give good service even in challenging situations.
Hospitality jobs types
The hospitality sector offers a wide range of job prospects irrespective of your preferences, level of expertise, or self-description as an extrovert or an introvert. Below are some examples of the options that are accessible if you’re considering working in the hotel business but are unsure of the kinds of employment that are available:
1. Wedding coordinator
National average yearly pay: £22,975
Primary responsibilities: A wedding planner with a hospitality job is an expert in managing and organizing events. The work entails listening to the client’s requests while also providing expert opinions and solutions that are appropriate. The wedding planner handles the logistics after the client has given her or his approval for the wedding schedule. This could involve selecting and reserving acceptable locations, haggling advantageous costs with suppliers, designing the meal, and organizing entertainment. To make sure everything goes successfully, wedding planners must be there on the wedding day.
2. Barista
National average yearly wage: £17,373
Primary responsibilities: A barista with a hospitality job makes and serves a range of drinks, typically ones that contain coffee. These frequently include cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos. Baristas frequently work behind the coffee counter or bar in a café, restaurant, or coffee shop. They frequently get referred to as “coffee artists” because of the foam sculptures they produce on the surface of lattes.
Baristas are frequently quite knowledgeable about coffee, but it’s not always necessary, and some even make their own blends. Their responsibilities include making clients feel at ease, taking care of the coffee machines, and making sure that their work environment is well-stocked and orderly in addition to offering tasty and enticing coffee drinks.
3. Sommelier
National average yearly pay: £26,055
Primary responsibilities: A certified expert in wine is known as a sommelier. These professionals in hospitality jobs frequently work in fine dining places where they recommend wines to staff members and customers to accompany their meals. Additionally, these experts might teach visitors about the kind of grapes used in wine production as well as the area and vineyard where they were cultivated. Creating a restaurant’s wine list and training other staff members, like managers and waitstaff members, about the wines they serve, are common responsibilities of a sommelier.
4. Executive chef
National average yearly wage: £44,728
Primary responsibilities: An establishment’s kitchen is overseen by an executive chef. Choosing menu items, procuring supplies from suppliers, maintaining cooking equipment, and managing inventories all fall under this category. Additionally, they employ and manage all kitchen workers and make sure that they adhere to the appropriate safety and hygiene procedures, such as cleaning their work areas. The executive chef is in charge of making sure that a kitchen upholds the highest possible standards and consistently serves delicious meals. These professionals in hospitality jobs must also make sure that a kitchen is economically viable, which affects choices about inventory management, vendor pricing, and menu items.
5. Restaurant supervisor
National average yearly wage: £29,765
Primary responsibilities: A restaurant manager with a hospitality job makes sure everything runs properly in the establishment. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including supervising the restaurant’s workforce, which includes the cooks, waiters, and waitresses. This may entail planning workdays, hiring and firing personnel, and ensuring that workers receive the proper training. To guarantee that they offer reasonable prices and high-quality products, it is also their obligation to keep an inventory, purchase new stock, and foster positive connections with vendors. Interacting with customers and making sure they are happy with their meals and service is another crucial responsibility of a restaurant manager.
In the role of a restaurant manager, you would be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. This includes managing staff, ensuring high-quality service, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and maintaining hygiene and safety standards. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills are vital for managing a successful restaurant.
6. Host and Hostess
National average yearly pay: £21,781
Primary responsibilities: As patrons arrive at a dining establishment or cafe, a hostess or host greets them, lets them know how long they will have to wait for a table, and directs them to it when it gets available. A hostess or host with hospitality jobs hands out menus and accepts orders once the visitors have been seated. They also make sure that customers are content during the entire dinner and that waiters are giving excellent service and maintaining clean tables. A hostess or host may also oversee the front-of-house area, take reservations, and answer phones.
7. Hotel manager
National average yearly pay: £30,963
Primary responsibilities: A hotel manager manages a hotel’s staff and keeps an eye on all of the establishment’s daily operations. They create staff timetables, implement necessary disciplinary measures, and monitor worker performance. Maintaining the hotel’s property and making sure that all of the facilities and equipment are in good functioning order are additional responsibilities. A hotel manager with a hospitality job could interact with customers and handle complaints according to the size of the business. They must also assure the hotel’s revenue and create marketing plans to attract more guests.
As a hotel manager, you would be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations. This includes managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, handling reservations and bookings, and overseeing the financial aspects of the hotel. You would need strong leadership and organizational skills to effectively manage the hotel and provide a positive guest experience.
8. Hotel receptionist
National average yearly wage: £14,880
Primary responsibilities: A hotel receptionist with a hospitality job serves as the primary point of contact for guests and is a member of the front-of-house staff. They greet visitors as they arrive, check them in and out of their rooms, and give them a general overview of the services. Additionally, they help visitors by making reservations on their behalf and coordinating with other workers as required to guarantee that visitors get the services they seek. Other responsibilities include taking calls, managing email, and relaying complex client issues to supervisors or senior staff.
As a front desk receptionist, you would be the first point of contact for guests in a hotel or establishment. Your responsibilities would include greeting and assisting guests, managing reservations and check-ins, answering phone calls and inquiries, and providing information about the hotel or establishment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for delivering excellent customer service in this role.
9. Cook
National average yearly pay: £23,078
Primary responsibilities: In places that offer food, like hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and resorts, a cook makes the food in the kitchen. Their responsibilities include cleaning, measuring, and cutting food ingredients as well as preparing meals in accordance with the executive chef’s or management’s prescribed recipes. Cooks with hospitality jobs frequently focus on one area of the kitchen and particular cuisines. A pantry cook, on the other hand, makes cold dishes like salads, whilst a pastry cook creates pastries, cakes, and desserts. Additionally, a swing chef who substitutes as required at several kitchen stations may be present.
10. Housekeeper
National average yearly wage: £22,377
Primary responsibilities: Cleaning tasks are carried out by a housekeeper in a lodging facility or guesthouse. Large hotel employees could be assigned specific sanitation duties like drying, washing, and ironing hotel laundry or tidying guest rooms. The latter usually entails freshening up the bathroom, changing the bed linens, swapping out dirty towels for new ones, picking up trash, vacuuming, and replenishing the bar fridge. The hotel’s lobby and eating areas are also cleaned by housekeepers with hospitality jobs, who also make sure the place is always tidy and attractive.
11. A tour guide
National average yearly salary: £13,900
Primary responsibilities: A tour guide is a person who takes tourists to interesting sites. They provide organized sightseeing tours to travelers who are traveling alone or in groups. These excursions frequently include valuable information about places with historical or cultural significance. They might use a microphone so that everyone can hear, depending on the number of people in the group. A tour guide with a hospitality job may provide transportation to the pertinent points of interest, like a bus ride, as part of the package. They may also arrange for their clients’ lodging and entertainment.
12. Event Coordinator
National Average Annual Salary: $50,600
Primary Responsibilities: Planning and organizing events, coordinating logistics, managing budgets, liaising with clients and vendors, and ensuring smooth execution of events. As an event coordinator with hospitality jobs, your role would involve planning and organizing various events, such as conferences, weddings, or corporate gatherings. You would be responsible for coordinating logistics, managing budgets, liaising with clients and vendors, and ensuring the smooth execution of events. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential for success in this role.
13. Travel Agent
National Average Annual Salary: $40,660
Primary Responsibilities: Assisting clients in planning and booking travel arrangements, recommending destinations and accommodations, and providing information on travel regulations and requirements. As a travel agent, your hospitality job is to assist clients in planning and booking their travel arrangements. This includes recommending destinations and accommodations, providing information on travel regulations and requirements, and ensuring a smooth travel experience for clients. Good knowledge of different travel options, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail are crucial for helping clients make informed decisions and create memorable travel experiences.
14. Concierge
National Average Annual Salary: $34,400
Primary Responsibilities: Assisting guests with various requests, providing recommendations for local attractions and services, making reservations, and handling guest inquiries and complaints. As a concierge with hospitality jobs, you would provide personalized assistance and recommendations to guests in hotels, resorts, or high-end establishments. Your role would involve making reservations, offering suggestions for local attractions and services, and addressing guest inquiries and complaints. Exceptional customer service skills, a strong knowledge of the local area, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently are important for succeeding as a concierge.
15. Housekeeping Supervisor
National Average Annual Salary: $38,770
Primary Responsibilities: Supervising housekeeping staff, ensuring cleanliness and maintenance of guest rooms and common areas, managing inventory and supplies, and handling guest requests. In this hospitality job, you would oversee the housekeeping operations in a hotel or establishment. Your responsibilities would include supervising housekeeping staff, ensuring cleanliness and maintenance of guest rooms and common areas, managing inventory and supplies, and addressing guest requests. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are necessary for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and guest satisfaction.
16. Food and Beverage Manager
National Average Annual Salary: $54,240
Primary Responsibilities: Overseeing food and beverage operations, managing staff, developing menus, ensuring quality and compliance with health and safety standards, and handling customer feedback. As a food and beverage manager, you would be responsible for overseeing the operations of a restaurant or dining establishment. This includes managing staff, developing menus, ensuring quality and compliance with health and safety standards, and handling customer feedback. Strong leadership skills, culinary knowledge, and business acumen are essential for successfully managing food and beverage operations in hospitality jobs.
17. Resort Activities Coordinator
National Average Annual Salary: $32,900
Primary Responsibilities: Planning and organizing recreational activities and events for resort guests, coordinating schedules, and ensuring guest participation and satisfaction. As a resort activities coordinator with hospitality jobs, your role would involve planning and organizing recreational activities and events for resort guests. You would be responsible for coordinating schedules, ensuring guest participation and satisfaction, and creating a memorable experience for resort visitors. Creativity, strong organizational skills, and a passion for providing exceptional guest experiences are important for excelling in this role.
18. Spa Manager
National Average Annual Salary: $46,770
Primary Responsibilities: Managing spa operations, overseeing staff, scheduling appointments, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and ensuring high-quality customer service. In the hospitality job of a spa manager, you would oversee the operations of a spa or wellness facility. This includes managing staff, scheduling appointments, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and ensuring high-quality customer service. You would also be responsible for developing spa treatments and packages to meet the needs of clients. Strong managerial skills, knowledge of spa therapies, and a customer-focused approach are essential for creating a relaxing and rejuvenating spa
Please note that these salary figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific organization or establishment.
Skills needed for hospitality jobs
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are crucial in the hospitality industry. You need to effectively communicate with guests, colleagues, and superiors, both verbally and in writing. Clear and concise communication helps to ensure guest satisfaction, resolve conflicts, and convey information accurately.
- Customer Service Skills: The ability to provide exceptional customer service is a fundamental skill in hospitality. You should be attentive to guest needs, display a positive attitude, and be responsive to inquiries and concerns. Good customer service skills involve active listening, problem-solving, and a willingness to go above and beyond to meet guest expectations.
- Interpersonal Skills: Building positive relationships with guests and colleagues is essential in the hospitality industry. Interpersonal skills include being friendly, approachable, and adaptable in different situations. You should be able to work well in a team, collaborate effectively, and handle interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Time Management and Organizational Skills: Hospitality jobs often involve handling multiple tasks simultaneously and working in fast-paced environments. Effective time management and organizational skills are necessary to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and ensure smooth operations. Being able to manage your time efficiently and stay organized contributes to productivity and reduces stress.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think critically and find solutions to unexpected challenges is highly valuable in hospitality roles. From resolving guest complaints to managing logistical issues, problem-solving skills allow you to address issues promptly and find effective resolutions. This involves analyzing situations, making decisions, and implementing solutions that uphold guest satisfaction.
- Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is crucial in the hospitality industry to ensure guest comfort and safety. It involves paying close attention to cleanliness, hygiene, and the overall guest experience. From maintaining clean rooms to accurately processing guest requests, having an eye for detail helps you deliver high-quality service and exceed guest expectations.
- Multitasking Abilities: Hospitality jobs often require multitasking to handle various responsibilities simultaneously. You may need to attend to guest requests while managing administrative tasks or coordinating events. The ability to multitask efficiently, prioritize tasks, and maintain composure under pressure is essential to ensure smooth operations and meet guest needs.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The hospitality industry serves guests from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural sensitivity involves being respectful and understanding of different customs, traditions, and languages. It helps you create a welcoming environment, anticipate guest preferences, and provide personalized service that respects individual cultural nuances.
- Leadership and Teamwork: In managerial or supervisory positions, leadership skills are essential for guiding and motivating teams to deliver excellent service. Being able to lead by example, delegate tasks, and inspire colleagues fosters a positive work environment and enhances guest satisfaction. Collaboration and teamwork skills are also important for working effectively with colleagues across different departments.
- Technical Skills: In today’s digital era, hospitality professionals should possess basic technical skills. This may include proficiency in using property management systems, point-of-sale systems, or other industry-specific software. Familiarity with technology enhances efficiency in tasks such as reservations, guest communication, and data analysis.
Developing and honing these skills will position you for success in the hospitality industry, regardless of the specific job role you pursue.
Conclusion
Hospitality jobs offer a dynamic and rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for guests. From hotels and resorts to restaurants, event planning, and travel services, the hospitality industry provides a wide range of opportunities for individuals with various skills and interests.
Whether you’re interested in customer service, management, culinary arts, or event coordination, the hospitality industry offers a diverse and vibrant work environment. By showcasing the necessary skills, experience, and passion for guest satisfaction, you can embark on a fulfilling career in hospitality that offers growth, advancement, and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Frequently Asked Questions about hospitality jobs
- What are some common hospitality jobs?
Common hospitality jobs include hotel manager, front desk agent, concierge, event planner, and restaurant manager.
- What skills are essential for hospitality jobs?
Essential skills for hospitality jobs include excellent communication, customer service, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management skills.
- How can I gain experience in the hospitality industry?
You can gain experience in the hospitality industry by working in entry-level positions, completing internships or apprenticeships, volunteering at events, and obtaining relevant certifications or qualifications.
- What is the average salary in the hospitality industry?
The average salary in the hospitality industry varies depending on the specific job and level of experience. However, positions like hotel managers, event planners, and restaurant managers can have competitive salaries.
- What are the growth opportunities in the hospitality industry?
The hospitality industry offers numerous growth opportunities, including career progression, promotions to managerial roles, the chance to work in different locations or establishments, and the opportunity to specialize in specific areas such as culinary arts, event management, or hotel operations. Continuous learning and professional development are key to advancing in this field.